(LOT 1677)
Extraordinary c.1910s Nap Lajoie PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Charles M. Conlon Photo Used for Lajoie's Iconic 1911 T3 Turkey Red & 1912 S81 Silk Subjects! Measures Approx. 8" x 10" (Incl. PSA Type I LOA)
No one would argue that the great Napoleon Nap" Lajoie's most iconic pose is the one used for his legendary 1911 T3 Turkey Red and 1912 S81 Premium Silk subjects. With that in mind, presented here just happens to be that EXACT IMAGE, an extraordinary PSA Type 1 photo struck by the illustrious photographer Charles M. Conlon! Indeed folks, this extremely significant illustration easily stands as one of the most formidable photos extant, with its coupled T3 Lajoie batting pose and Conlon pedigree combining to merit it the highest hobby accolades. One of baseball's greatest all-time second basemen, over a 21-season span Lajoie accumulated 3,243 hits to the tune of a stellar .338 lifetime batting average. Nicknamed "The Frenchman", his 1901 .426 batting average still reigns supreme as a modern-day record; a year in which he also claimed baseball's inaugural 20th-century Triple Crown award. He captured a sensational five A.L. modern-day batting titles, and his legacy was forever secured when in 1937, he was among the second group of baseball legends to be voted into the illustrious Hall of Fame.

In typical Conlon fashion, this museum worthy offering reveals the finest possible contrast and crystal-clear clarity, effectively "turning back the clock" to an era when the great Napoleon terrorized American League hurlers. Donning his classic Cleveland Indians pinstriped uniform and cap, Lajoie firmly clasps his colossal-sized lumber responsible for so many scalding line-drive safeties. Noteworthy blemishes include photographer cropping notations along the upper region, a few corner chips, some stray wrinkles, diminutive surface abrasions to the left of Lajoie's right stocking, and an approximate " horizontal tear along the right edge, with none of these flaws impeding the awe-inspiring Lajoie central image that was ultimately chosen to be utilized for his aforementioned issues. The final "thumbs up" is the flip side's critical CHARLES M. CONLON credit stamp as well as the "LAJOIE (Cleveland)" pencil notation that was scripted in Conlon's own hand. It is no secret that Type 1 images used for the player's original cards/issues are currently realizing stratospheric values, let alone photos struck by the most prestigious photographers such as the immortal Charles Conlon. Momentous to say the least, this unparalleled image will "echo for eternity" as an enduring fixture on both the Lajoie T3 and S81 issues, proudly representing one of our National Pastime's all-time legends who was respected as much if not more by the entire baseball community!

MIN BID $1,500
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